JP2004112248A - Local information distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system capable of timely displaying information related to a particular area within a particular period on a television screen. <P>SOLUTION: A first local information distribution system includes: a center server 12; control boxes 24 connected to the center server 12 via the Internet 20; and a television monitor 22 connected to each control box 24. Further, each control box 24 is provided with: a means for displaying video data for a program main text and related data on the television monitor 22; a means for transmitting a distribution request of local information in matching with a local category and genre set to the related data to the center server 12; and a means for displaying the distributed local information on the television monitor 22. Further, the center server 12 is provided with: an area information database 44; and a means for extracting the local information corresponding to the local category and genre transmitted from each control box 24 and within a valid period at a present point of time from the local information database 44 and distributing the information to each control box 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a regional information distribution system, and in particular, automatically extracts valid regional information at the present time while simultaneously meeting conditions set in advance to related data displayed on a television screen and displaying the information on the television screen. It relates to a regional information distribution system to be made.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, the so-called “data broadcasting service” has begun to spread in television broadcasting.
That is, digital data of characters and images is transmitted on a broadcast wave together with content data of a television program from a television station, and in each home, the program content and digital data are transmitted to a television screen via a dedicated tuner connected to the television. Split display. For example, data such as a still image or text is displayed in about one quarter of the screen, and a moving image of the main program is displayed in the remaining portion.
By connecting a telephone line to the tuner, it has been attempted to feed back data (such as quiz answers and questionnaire voting data) selected and input by the user using a remote controller to a broadcasting station via the telephone line. .
[0003]
Digital data delivered to each home includes program-linked data having some relevance to the program contents, as well as independent data completely unrelated to the program contents.
As an example of the former, display of souvenir information and traffic information relating to the place in a travel program in text or a still image. In addition, examples of the latter include displaying weather forecasts and news information.
It is expected that data broadcasting will become more and more important as television broadcasting becomes more digital.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the conventional data broadcasting, the digital data transmitted from the television station to each home is edited and fixed in advance, and the display contents are flexibly replaced according to the residence area of the user (viewer) and the broadcast date and time. There was a problem that it was not possible.
For this reason, for example, even in the case where information on the production area of the main ingredients is complementarily displayed in a data broadcast in a cooking program, it is inevitably limited to general information such as traffic access information and annual event information, It was not possible to display the ever-changing raw information (such as limited-time service information) in this area in a timely manner. The era when television broadcasting frames were monopolized by a limited number of terrestrial broadcasting stations is a thing of the past. Assuming that it will enter the market, it is essential to have a system that can provide detailed and timely television broadcasting of highly fresh information that is closely related to the area.
[0005]
The present invention was devised in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional data broadcasting service, and has an object of displaying timely information on a television screen in a specific period related to a specific area. The purpose is to realize a system that enables it.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the regional information distribution system according to claim 1 includes a center server, a plurality of control devices connected to the center server via a communication network (such as the Internet), and each control device. A regional information distribution system including a connected television monitor, wherein the control device includes means for displaying video data for a main program and related data on the television monitor, and a region preset in the related data. Means for transmitting a distribution request for regional information matching the category and genre to the center server, and means for displaying the regional information distributed from the center server on the television monitor, the center server comprising: A regional information database that stores a plurality of regional information in which regional categories, genres, and validity periods are set in advance. And a means for extracting area information corresponding to the area category and genre transmitted from the control apparatus and falling within the validity period at the present time from the area information database, and delivering the information to the control apparatus. Features.
The video data and the related data for the main program are typically transmitted from a television station via broadcast radio waves or a coaxial cable, but are stored on a recording medium such as a video tape, a DVD disk, and an MO disk. This includes a case where a video signal delivered in a state of being converted is converted into a video signal by a video deck, a DVD drive, an MO drive, or the like, and is displayed on a television monitor via a control device.
In addition, the case where the control device and the television monitor are integrated is also included.
[0007]
As described above, only the area category and the genre are set in advance in the related data transmitted from the television station, and the search processing and the distribution processing of the area information are performed when the distribution request of the area information arrives via the Internet or the like. Since this is performed in the center server, it is possible to distribute the currently valid seasonal area information to the control device and display it in a timely manner through the television monitor.
As a result, even when the main program is rebroadcast, the latest regional information is displayed on the television monitor.
[0008]
A regional information distribution system according to a second aspect is based on the system according to the first aspect. Further, when the center server extracts a plurality of regional information items with respect to a regional information distribution request from the control device, It is characterized by having means for distributing in order of shortest remaining validity period.
[0009]
A regional information distribution system according to a third aspect is based on the system according to the first aspect, wherein the center server further stores a database for recording the number of times of display for each region information, and a region from the control device. Means for distributing, in the case where a plurality of area information is extracted with respect to the information distribution request, in ascending order of display times.
[0010]
A regional information distribution system according to a fourth aspect is based on the system according to the first to third aspects, and furthermore, distribution area limitation conditions are set in advance in each area information. A database in which information about the installation area of the device is registered, and when a distribution request for the regional information is transmitted from the control device, only the region information that is allowed to be distributed to the installation region of the control device is extracted. Means for distributing to the control device.
[0011]
A regional information distribution system according to a fifth aspect is based on the system according to the first to fourth aspects, further comprising: a database in which the center server registers an e-mail address of each user; Means for generating an e-mail in which the local information is described in the body column when a mail distribution request specifying the local information is transmitted, and transmitting the generated e-mail to the e-mail address of the user. And
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a first regional information distribution system 10 according to the present invention. The first regional information distribution system 10 includes a center server 12, an in-store management server 16 arranged in a restaurant 14 such as a pub, and a local information provider. A personal computer 18 to be managed is connected to a network via the Internet 20.
In addition to the management server 16, a plurality of television monitors 22, a control box 24 having a built-in tuner function, a satellite broadcast receiving antenna 26, and a printer 28 are arranged in the restaurant 14.
Each control box 24 is connected to the television monitor 22, the antenna 26, and the management server 16, respectively.
The printer 28 is connected to the management server 16.
[0013]
The center server 12 has a WWW (World Wide Web) server function, a mail server function, a search server function, a database server function, an application server function, etc., and actually connects a plurality of workstations and personal computers to a network. It is constituted by.
The control box 24 includes a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, a tuner unit, a video control unit, a communication control unit, an infrared receiving unit, and various IO ports, and can be operated by a remote control device 30.
[0014]
Although only one restaurant 14 is shown in FIG. 1, there are actually many stores 14 belonging to the same izakaya chain, and equipment similar to the above is arranged in them. I have.
Then, it is assumed that a program dedicated to the chain is provided from the chain headquarters to member stores nationwide through satellite broadcasting.
That is, the broadcast wave radiated from the antenna 34 of the broadcast station 32 reaches the reception antenna 26 of the store 14 via the communication satellite 36 or the broadcast satellite, and is converted into video data and audio data by the tuner unit of the control box 24. After demodulation, it is reproduced via the screen of the television monitor 22 and the speaker.
Similarly, text data and still image data transmitted from the broadcasting station 32 to the antenna 26 are also demodulated by the tuner unit of the control box 24 and then displayed on the television monitor 22 (details will be described later).
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the system 10. The center server 12 includes a local information extracting unit 40, a local information registering unit 42, a local information database 44, and a store information database 46. I have.
The local information extracting unit 40 and the local information registering unit 42 are realized by a CPU of a computer constituting the center server 12 executing necessary processing according to an OS and a dedicated program. The local information database 44 and the store information database 46 are stored in the hard disk of the computer.
[0016]
The control box 24 includes a local information display processing unit 48, a local information distribution requesting unit 50, and an order processing unit 52.
The local information display processing unit 48, the local information distribution requesting unit 50, and the order processing unit 52 are realized by the CPU of the control box 24 executing necessary processing according to the OS and the dedicated program.
Each control box 24 in the store 14 is connected to the center server 12 and the printer 28 via the management server 16 respectively.
[0017]
Many information providers (small and medium-sized enterprises, local governments, individuals, etc.) scattered throughout the country upload regional information to the center server 12 via the Internet 20.
Specifically, the user accesses the dedicated Web site of the center server 12 and displays the regional information registration form 54 shown in FIG. 3 on the Web browser of the personal computer 18.
[0018]
On the other hand, the information provider selects and enters the validity period of the relevant area information, postal code, information genre, area limitation, and information content to specify the location area of the information provider, and then clicks the "Register" button Then, the input data is transmitted to the center server 12. The “information genre” is a type of local information, for example, “event information”, “administrative information”, “job information”, “business information”, “special product information”, “sightseeing information”, “food and drink” "Information" can be selected.
Further, the above “regional limitation” means a limitation condition regarding the distribution region of the regional information, for example, “inside the region” (can be displayed only in the region corresponding to the above zip code), “outside the region” (the above zip code) Can be selected only outside the region that matches the region), "inside and outside the region" (can be displayed throughout Japan), and the like.
[0019]
The regional information registration unit 42 of the center server 12 receiving the input data stores the regional information in the regional information database 44 in association with the provider.
FIG. 4 shows an example of data items set in the regional information database 44. The information provider ID, validity period, postal code (region), genre, region limitation, information content, Items such as an image file, a registration date, and a display result are set. Of course, these data items are merely examples, and can be increased or decreased as needed.
[0020]
In the above description, an example in which text-based area information is registered has been described. However, an information provider can also register a still image file or a moving image file as area information.
For example, an information provider who wants to post an advertisement using a moving image or a still image creates an e-mail according to a predetermined format, attaches a still image file or a moving image file to the e-mail, and sends it to an e-mail address of the center server 12. I do. In this case, the validity period, postal code, information genre, and the like are described in the body of the email.
The local information registration unit 42 that has received the information registers the information on the image file in the local information database 44 in association with the information provider.
Of course, the information provider can also transmit a still image file or a moving image file to the center server 12 using the file transfer program. Alternatively, the information provider can store the still image file or the moving image file on a recording medium such as a video tape, a CD-ROM, or an MO, and mail the file to a system operator. In this case, the image file is registered in the regional information database 44 by the system operator.
[0021]
Hereinafter, the processing procedure related to the distribution of the regional information will be described with reference to the screen layout diagrams of FIGS. 5 to 7 and the flowchart of FIG.
First, on the television monitor 22 in the store 14, a program dedicated to the member store is broadcast simultaneously with the start of business (S10). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a VTR video 56 recording a pattern of a party held in another store is flowing endlessly.
This program has been recorded in advance by a television camera and has been nonlinearly edited by a specialized editor. At the time of this editing, a predetermined frame is associated with specific data.
[0022]
For example, the frames 58 and 60 in FIG. 5 are associated with the text data 62 and the still image data 64 relating to the “cattle rib set” that the customer in the video is eating right now. Has transmitted both the audio and video data of the main program.
If such related data exists, an icon (flag) 66 is displayed on the screen (S12), and the customer who wishes to browse operates the remote controller 30 to request display of the related data.
The control box 24 receiving this, as shown in FIG. 6, partitions the area of about one quarter of the screen 68 of the television monitor 22 from the display area 72 of the main program as a data display area 70 (S14). The text data and the still image data associated with the frame 60 are displayed (S16).
[0023]
In the data display area 70, first, introduction information of “special beef kalbi set” which is a recommended menu of the izakaya chain is described.
A customer apprehended by browsing the introduction information of the above menu, operates the remote control device 30 to move the cursor 74 to the "order" button and select it.
This order information is transmitted from the order processing unit 52 of the control box 24 to the management server 16, and an order slip is output from the printer 28 installed in the kitchen. The order slip includes the item name (special beef rib set) ordered by the customer, the quantity (two servings), and the table number (corresponding to the ID of the remote controller), and cooking is performed based on the slip.
At the same time, an accounting slip is output from the printer 28 based on a command from the order processing unit 52. This accounting slip is carried to the audience by floor staff when serving food.
[0024]
In the data display area 70, in addition to the introduction information of the menu itself, the introduction information of "Sado Farm", which is a producer of the main food (beef), is also described.
Here, the customer who is interested in "Sado ranch" operates the remote control and selects the "Introduction to Sado ranch" button.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the detailed information on the Sado ranch sent from the broadcasting station 32 is displayed in the data display area 70. Here, an example is shown in which an introduction VTR (moving image) of the Sado Farm is reproduced, but text data and still image data can be displayed in the data display area 70.
[0025]
Up to this point, processing related to the display of related data set in advance when editing the VTR has been described. However, this system 10 further has a function of displaying timely regional information having a certain degree of relevance to “Sado Farm”. It also has.
That is, “Sado (region category)” and “special product, tourist attraction (genre)” are set in advance in “Sado ranch” as related data.
For this reason, when the customer selects the “display local information” button 75 in the data display area 70 by remote control operation when the introduction VTR of “Sado ranch” ends, the local information distribution requesting unit 50 passes through the management server 16. To access the center server 12 and request transmission of regional information relating to “Sado Farm”.
[0026]
The local information extracting unit 40 of the center server 12 that has received the information extracts local information from the local information database 44 and transmits it to the management server 16 via the Internet 20 (S18).
The management server 16 having received this transmits the area information to the control box 24 that has output the distribution request of the area information.
As a result, the local information display processing section 48 of the control box 24 displays the local information in the data display area 70 of the television monitor 22 (S20).
The region information displayed here includes not only still image data and text data but also moving image data.
[0027]
As described above, the validity period is added to the regional information stored in the regional information database 44 in addition to the genre and the regional category.
For this reason, when the local information extracting unit 40 selects the local information, the target is first narrowed down according to the genre and the local category, and then the validity period information is checked. Outside.
Next, when there is a large number of area information within the validity period or area information for which the validity period is not set, information near the validity period is preferentially extracted and transmitted to the management server 16. .
Alternatively, since the number of times of display is recorded in each area information, it is possible to preferentially display the information having the lowest number of times.
[0028]
The provider of the regional information can place an order for the distribution target region in advance as described above.
For example, when a tourist hotel is an information provider, it is unlikely that residents in the Sado area will be able to stay even if they appeal to them, so "outside the area" is specified when registering information.
The local information extracting unit 40 compares the store ID information transmitted from the management server 16 at the time of extracting the local information with the store information stored in the store information database 46, and determines that the distribution request of the local information has been issued to the store 14 in the Sado area. If it is determined that the information has been transmitted from, the local information on the tourist hotel is excluded from distribution.
On the other hand, if the restaurant is an information provider, there is a high possibility that residents in the Sado area will come to the store, so “inside / outside the area (nationwide)” is specified when registering the information.
As a result, even if the distribution request of the local information is transmitted from the store 14 in the Sado area, the local information extracting unit 40 sets the local information on the restaurant as a distribution target.
[0029]
As a result of browsing the regional information, the customer who is interested in the information content operates the remote control device 30 and selects the “print” button 76.
The printer 28 that has received the print command from the order processing unit 52 outputs a memo on which the information content and the table number are printed. This memo is carried by the floor staff to the audience.
As a result, based on the information described in the memo, the customer can later access the information provider by telephone or the Internet to obtain more detailed information or order a product.
The customer who wants to return to the main program while browsing the regional information selects the "end" button 77 by operating the remote controller. As a result, the data display area 70 disappears from the screen 68 of the television monitor 22, and only the main program is displayed on the entire screen.
In addition, the customer can freely re-display the preceding and following regional information by selecting the “return” button 78 or the “advance” button 79 with the remote control device 30.
[0030]
For the area information displayed on a certain television monitor 22, the display result (the number of times of display) is added to the area information database 44 by the area information registration unit 42 (S22).
This display result data is fed back to the provider of the regional information at a later date. In addition, the system operator can collect an advertisement insertion fee from the information provider according to the number of times of display.
[0031]
In the above description, an example has been described in which the program content from the chain headquarters is transmitted to the affiliated store 14 of the izakaya chain through satellite broadcasting, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, program contents and related data can be transmitted to the control box 24 of each store 14 via a television broadcast using terrestrial waves or a coaxial cable of a cable television station.
Alternatively, a video tape or DVD-ROM or the like on which the edited VTR video is recorded can be delivered to each store 14 and displayed on the screen of the television monitor 22 by a VCR or DVD drive in the store.
[0032]
FIG. 9 shows a second regional information distribution system 80 according to the present invention, which includes a center server 12, a control box 24 installed in each house 82, and a personal computer 18 managed by a regional information provider. Are connected to the network via the Internet 20.
The control box 24 is connected to the television monitor 22 and the antenna 26, and a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 32 is received by the antenna 26 and converted into a video / audio signal in the tuner unit of the control box 24. As a result, the content of the satellite broadcast is displayed on the screen of the television monitor 22.
The control box 24 includes a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, a video control unit, a communication control unit, an infrared receiving unit, and various IO ports, and can be operated by a remote control device 30. Also, a printer for a personal computer can be connected to the printer port.
Although only one house 82 is shown in the figure, an unspecified number of houses actually exist, and an antenna 26, a control box 24, and a television monitor 22 similar to those described above are arranged in each of them. ing.
[0033]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the second regional information distribution system 80. The center server 12 includes a regional information extraction unit 40, a regional information registration unit 42, a regional information database 44, and a user database 84. And
The local information extracting unit 40 and the local information registering unit 42 are realized by a CPU of a computer constituting the center server 12 executing necessary processing according to an OS and a dedicated program. The local information database 44 and the user database 84 are stored in the hard disk of the computer.
Similarly to the above, the local information database 44 stores a large number of local information received from information providers nationwide via the Internet 20 or the like.
[0034]
The control box 24 includes a local information display processing unit 48 and a local information distribution request unit 50.
The local information display processing unit 48 and the local information distribution requesting unit 50 are realized by the CPU of the control box executing necessary processing according to an OS and a dedicated program set up in a hard disk or a memory.
[0035]
Hereinafter, the processing procedure in the system 80 will be described with reference to the screen layout diagram of FIG. 11 and the flowchart of FIG.
First, the user sets a channel through the remote control device 30, and displays a program corresponding to this system on the television monitor 22 at home (S10).
This program is also recorded in advance by a television camera and nonlinearly edited by an editor in the same manner as described above, and a predetermined frame is associated with specific data at the time of editing.
[0036]
For example, a clock 68 in Sapporo is displayed on the screen 68 of the television monitor 22 shown in FIG. 11, and an icon (flag) 66 indicating the existence of related data is displayed (S12).
Here, when the user selects the icon 66 by operating the remote controller and requests the display of the relevant data of the video, the control box 24 receiving the icon 66 sets the area of one quarter of the screen 68 as the data display area 70 of the main program. Partitioning is performed from the display area 72 (S14), and text data and still image data associated with the frame are displayed (S16).
[0037]
Next, when the user selects the “display local information” button 75 in the data display area 70 by operating the remote control, the local information distribution request unit 50 accesses the center server 12 via the Internet 20 and Request transmission of regional information related to "Explanation".
The local information extracting unit 40 of the center server 12 that has received the information extracts local information from the local information database 44 based on the genre and the local category transmitted from the local information distribution requesting unit 50 (S18).
For example, when the genre of “sightseeing or eating and drinking” and the regional category of “Sapporo city” are set in the related data, the regional information extracting unit 40 extracts the regional information that meets the condition and is within the validity period. Extract and send to control box 24.
As a result, the regional information display processing section 48 displays the regional information one after another at regular intervals in the data display area 70 of the television monitor 22 (S20).
[0038]
The local information extracting unit 40 can search the user database 84 based on the MAC address of the control box 24 and the user ID information transmitted from the local information distribution requesting unit 50, and can specify the residence area of the user. .
For this reason, when the provider of the regional information has limited the information distribution area in advance, it is possible to perform the control of distributing the regional information only to the users who live in the area meeting this condition. Become.
For example, when a condition of “outside the region (Sapporo City)” is set in certain region information, the region information is distributed only to users who live in regions other than Sapporo.
[0039]
When a printer is connected to the control box 24, the user can operate the remote control device 30 and select the "print" button 76 to print out the display contents of the regional information.
Further, the user who wants to return to the main program while browsing the regional information selects the “end” button 77 by operating the remote controller. As a result, the data display area 70 disappears from the screen 68 of the television monitor 22, and only the main program is displayed on the entire screen.
In addition, the user can freely re-display the preceding and following area information by selecting the “return” button 78 or the “forward” button 79 with the remote control device 30.
[0040]
Although not shown, a “mail transmission” button may be displayed in the data display area 70 instead of or together with the “print” button 76.
In this case, when the user operates the remote control device 30 and selects the “mail transmission” button, the regional information distribution request unit 50 sends a mail distribution request with the user ID and the identification code of the regional information to the center server 12. Is output.
The local information extracting unit 40 that has received this generates an e-mail in which the relevant regional information is described in the text box, and transmits the electronic mail to the mail address of the user registered in the user database 84.
As a result, the user can obtain the contents of the regional information (including the contact information such as the mail address, URL, and telephone number of the information provider) in the form of an e-mail.
[0041]
For the regional information displayed on a certain television monitor 22, the number of times of display is added to the regional information database 44 by the regional information registration unit 42 (S22).
This display result data is fed back to the provider of the regional information at a later date. Also, the system operator can collect a publication fee from the information provider according to the number of publications.
[0042]
In the above description, an example in which the general-purpose television monitor 22 and the dedicated control box 24 are connected has been described. However, the present invention may be implemented using the dedicated television monitor 22 having the function of the control box 24 built therein. Of course, it is possible.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
In the regional information distribution system according to the present invention, only the regional category and the genre are set in advance in the related data transmitted from the television station, and the retrieval processing and the distribution processing of the regional information are performed through the Internet or the like. Since the information is transmitted to the center server when the information distribution request arrives, it is possible to distribute the currently effective seasonal area information to the control device and display it in a timely manner through the television monitor.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a first regional information distribution system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first regional information distribution system.
FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of a regional information registration form.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data items set in a regional information database.
FIG. 5 is a layout diagram showing a display example of a television monitor.
FIG. 6 is a layout diagram illustrating a display example of a television monitor.
FIG. 7 is a layout diagram illustrating a display example of a television monitor.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to distribution of area information.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a second regional information distribution system according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a second regional information distribution system.
FIG. 11 is a layout diagram illustrating a display example of a television monitor.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 First regional information distribution system
12 Center server
14 restaurants
16 In-store management server
18 PCs managed by local information providers
20 Internet
22 TV monitor
24 control box
26 Satellite broadcast receiving antenna
28 Printer
30 Remote control device
32 broadcasting stations
34 antenna
36 communication satellite
40 Regional Information Extraction Department
42 Regional Information Registration Department
44 Regional Information Database
46 store information database
48 Regional information display processing unit
50 Regional Information Distribution Request Department
52 Order processing section
54 Local Information Registration Form
56 VTR video
58 frames
60 frames
62 Text data
64 still image data
66 Icon (Flag)
70 Data display area
72 Main program display area
74 cursor
76 “Print” button
77 "End" button
78 "Back" button
79 "Forward" button
80 Second regional information distribution system
82 House
84 User Database

Claims (5)

A center server, a local information distribution system including a plurality of control devices connected to the center server via a communication network, and a television monitor connected to each control device,
The control device is means for displaying video data and related data for a main program on the television monitor,
Means for transmitting, to the center server, a distribution request for regional information matching a regional category and a genre preset in the related data;
Means for displaying the regional information distributed from the center server on the television monitor,
The center server includes: an area information database that stores a plurality of area information in which an area category, a genre, and a validity period are set in advance;
Means for extracting, from the regional information database, regional information corresponding to the regional category and genre transmitted from the control device and falling within the validity period at the present time, and distributing the extracted information to the control device. Regional information distribution system. 2. The area according to claim 1, wherein the center server further comprises means for, when a plurality of area information is extracted in response to the area information distribution request from the control device, distributing the area information in ascending order of remaining validity period. Information distribution system. The center server includes a database that records the number of times of display for each area information,
2. The area information distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for, when a plurality of area information is extracted in response to the area information distribution request from the control device, distributing the area information in ascending order of display count. Each area information has distribution area limitation conditions set in advance,
The above-mentioned center server has a database for registering information on the installation area of each control device,
Means for, when a request for distribution of regional information is transmitted from the control device, extracting only regional information permitted to be distributed to the installation area of the control device and distributing the extracted information to the control device. The regional information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The center server includes a database for registering the e-mail address of each user,
Means for generating an e-mail in which the body information is described in the case where an e-mail delivery request specifying the user and the area information is transmitted from the control device, and transmitting the e-mail to the e-mail address of the user; The local information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

Images